Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity for the family, and displaying them on your porch is a great way to decorate for the season and Halloween. The major problem most people have is preserving their carving handiwork because once the guts are removed, the pumpkin is exposed to air, moisture, and bacteria. All these elements quickly eat away at your pumpkin. For those who love carving and displaying pumpkins, you can buy a pumpkin glove scraper carving kit to help safely create your pumpkin masterpieces. And here are a few tips to help you preserve your hard work.
Give Pumpkins A Good Wash
Pumpkins live in the dirt, where a host of microorganisms live. Giving your pumpkin a good wash to remove dirt from the outside and wash away bacteria that can eat away at your pumpkin. Once it is clean, dry it gently using some paper towels. Drying pumpkins removes the excess moisture that can also lead to early rotting.
Use Bleach To keep Mold Away
Use an empty spray bottle, and add a mixture of one tablespoon of bleach to a quart of water. Spray the pumpkin with this solution after carving. Spray it well, including the edges and cut openings. Bleach solution keeps mold, mildew, and other unwanted organisms off your carved pumpkin.
Use Oils To Prevent Pumpkin Rot
Oil is also a big help when preventing pumpkin rot. Most vegetable oil will work, including olive oil. Take these steps to help preserve your masterpiece.
Don't use too much oil. A small amount is all you need. The pumpkin should look shiny and not greasy.
Placement Is Also Important
Once you've carved your pumpkin, choose the best place to display it. Direct sunlight exposure rots pumpkins quickly, so place them in an area where they stay cool and away from the sun. If you notice your pumpkins wilting or shriveling. You can bring it back to life by soaking it in a bucket of water overnight. Even a few hours can help bring it back to life. After taking the pumpkin out of the water, dry it completely to prevent mold from forming. It's also a good idea to carve your pumpkin as close to Halloween as possible if you plan to use them as a holiday decoration. Have fun, and buy a pumpkin carving kit for kids. Then, you can try one or all of the methods above to keep your jack-o-lantern smiling or grimacing for the fall season.
For more information on pumpkin carving kits, contact a company like Halloween Moments.
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